• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negrenses have been warned of the possibility of heavy rains in the next few days, due to Tropical Depression ‘Crising’ and the enhanced southwest monsoon.
In an advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration forecasted heavy rainfall, or 50-100mm on Thursday, and 100 to 200 mm on Friday and Saturday.
According to PAGASA, TD ‘Crising’ is forecast to reach Tropical Storm category by Thursday morning. It added that further intensification to the Typhoon category is not ruled out.
The Bacolod City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office was placed in blue alert status yesterday. CDRRMO head Ana Marie Pornan urged heightened vigilance against forecasted heavy rains. At the same time, she ordered barangay officials in flood-prone areas to implement preventive measures, prepare evacuation protocols, and maintain 24/7 readiness with emergency responders.
More than 400 families were affected by recent flooding in Bacolod City.
There will be no classes today in all public and private schools in Himamaylan City, Hinigaran, Cauayan, Hinobaan, while classes suspensions were extended to July 18 in Binalbagan, Sipalay City, Calatrava, and until further notice in Isabela and La Castellana.
In Hinobaan, Negros Occidental, Mayor Daph Anthony Reliquias ordered the suspension of classes in all levels, both in public and private schools, due to heavy rains and strong winds. Reliquias reported that water levels in Hinobaan rivers have risen, noting also that some of the town’s barangays are landslide prone.
Mayor Rogelio Raymund Tongson also ordered suspension of classes and school work on Thursday in Himamaylan City. Tongson said that landslides are possible in highly susceptible areas.
On the other hand, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said that forecast rainfall may be more intense in mountainous and elevated areas. Moreover, impacts in some areas may be worsened by significant antecedent rainfall, it added.
DISASTER DRILL
In line with the observance of National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM), Pornan conducted a DRRMO briefing with various departments of the local government, stakeholders, the Bacolod City Police Office, Bureau of Fire Protection and other partner agencies to reinforce the city’s disaster preparedness efforts.
Under the theme “KUMIKILOS: Kayang Umaksyon ng Mamamayan na Isabuhay ang Kahandaan ng Bawat Isa Para Maging Ligtas sa Oras ng Sakuna,” the City Government is set to hold an earthquake and fire drill on July 31, at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC).
The upcoming drill aims to ensure that all employees, especially new personnel, are familiar with emergency protocols, designated exits and safety procedures during disaster scenarios. The drill will also serve as an orientation for designated marshals per office to properly guide their respective teams during actual emergencies.
“While the drill may cause brief interruptions to office operations and government transactions, it is essential for strengthening our city’s preparedness,” Pornan said. She conducted a briefing with various departments of the local government, stakeholders, the Bacolod City Police Office, Bureau of Fire Protection and other partner agencies to reinforce the city’s disaster preparedness efforts.*
